How to Get Rid of Body Dysmorphic Disorder?

It would be tempting to just move directly to methods of getting rid of body dysmorphic disorder, especially for those who know about this condition and want to take aggressive steps to end it. But as with any medical condition or health problem, it’s probably best to take a close look at what this disorder is. Even those who suffer from this malady can use additional information and helpful advice.

Body dysmorphic disorder sounds like it might be a visible, physical issue but in truth it has been classified as a mental condition. With this disorder, the individual becomes obsessed about a particular part of appearance. In nearly all cases the perceived problem is a minor flaw. In some situations, the person is imagining that there is an appearance problem that needs to be addressed.

The condition is generally associated with young women and girls who are particularly aware of how they look. While everyone should pay attention to personal appearance and hygiene some individuals become obsessed to the point that it has a negative effect on their lives. At this point, the assistance of medical and psychological professionals may be in order.

Descriptions of boy dysmorphic disorder often include obsessions with: the appearance of the skin; hair; skin blemishes; breast size and other features. Research shows that adolescents and young women will check their appearance in a mirror many times. They often seek out a mirror to look at a specific area or part of the body that, to them, is a problem. Doctors separate this disorder from common vanity, as the individual really believes there is a deformity.

Emotional and mental stress is closely associated with this condition. The individual not only sees a specific part of the body as “ugly” or “deformed” but she also believes that other people see her this way. Individuals who suffer from body dysmorphic disorder develop a constant feeling of “never being good enough, for herself or for others.

Those who have developed this mental/emotional obsession will generally devote a lot of time to covering up the “flaws.” Some individuals spend a significant amount of money on cosmetics and pharmaceutical products. Others take more permanent steps, choosing to have plastic surgery or extensive “make-over” procedures to fix what they see as real deformities.

One of the problems that stems from body dysmorphic disorder is social stress or serious introversion. Young women who see a part of their body as “deformed” may avoid going out to socialize, avoiding parties, meetings and other situations where others gather.

How does a young person progress to a more healthy, active state of mind when they suffer from this condition? The first step involves understanding the malady in the first place. That’s why it was so important to devote space to describing the condition in detail. Recognizing that you have a problem is the first step to recovery. It may be necessary to seek behavioral therapy in which a professional counselor helps the individual change negative thought patterns.

A second step takes the person from changing thoughts to taking action. It’s important to change behavior by going to social gatherings and living as if there is no “deformity.” Doctors and counselors have also found that some of the current anti-depressant medications help those who suffer from body dysmorphic disorder. New prescription drugs for obsessive-compulsive disorder may also work. Visiting the family physician would be a great first step.

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